Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Jiu-Jitsu itself is a Japanese martial art. The story of BJJ starts in 1909 when a man named Geo Omori opened the first Jiu-Jitsu and Judo school in Brazil. Shortly after that, one of the top Judo and Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, Mitsuyo Maeda, came to Brazil to spread these martial arts.

It was then in 1917 that Maeda began teaching Carlos Gracie about these martial arts. After perfecting the skills and teaching them to his own brothers, Gracie modernized the techniques by putting more emphasis on the ground fighting and less on Judo throws. This is where BJJ began. Gracie's pragmatic changes have made BJJ what it is today. These changes contribute to its outstanding reputation and record in both real fight and events.

BJJ is largely a martial art of getting an opponent to the ground and asserting dominant positions to subdue the other person. This is from a combination of understanding how joints work, twisting and holding weak points of the body to force the opponent to submit, and escaping from weak positions to turn the fight in your favor.

Despite the need for physical strength, BJJ helps weaker combatants battle against stronger opponents. This happens through leverage, understanding the human body, and how to cause pain and hold specific areas to disable any opponent.

While this is a martial art where proper technique is crucial to success, it's easy for even beginners to pick up the basics and apply them to real situations if needed.

As innovators of the BJJ movement, you can expect the best from Renzo Gracie BJJ classes. These classes are for all skill levels. Whether it's your first time, you have a little experience, or you've been doing BJJ for years, you'll find a class that works for you.

Regardless of your skill level, safety is always our prime concern. Every student learns how to safely spar with other students to prevent injury or any other mishaps. All instructors are professional and will ensure that students are ready before sparring.

Aside from classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, you'll also find classes for both gi and no gi. Practicing with a gi makes it easier to perform the take downs and many other moves because you can use the clothing to your advantage. If you're looking for a more realistic experience, then we suggest trying no gi. This will more closely mimic a real street fight since you don't know what your opponent will be wearing.

In either case, all students will learn about our pragmatic martial art in ways that apply to any combat situation. This is not a martial art about flashy moves. Everything from the basics to the advanced techniques are for true combat.

Learning BJJ has many benefits both mental and physical. On the physical side, you'll experienced improved strength and fitness along with enhanced endurance. You'll also learn how to control your body and manipulate the body of opponents so that you can defend yourself in a fight.

There are also mental benefits. You'll learn problem solving skills because every fight, hold, and manipulation is like a puzzle that you have to solve. Many of our students experience heightened feelings of self-esteem and confidence. You'll work with a group of like-minded peers that are learning and having fun together, ensuring that everyone is happy and having a good time.

Many also find that they experience reduced stress after learning BJJ. The act of performing such strenuous activity has a calming effect on the body that many students enjoy. This will make it easier to take on the rigors of your life outside the class. You'll also feel more energy as your physical conditioning improves.

• Learn a martial art renowned by MMA experts and all other martial artists as one of the most effective on the planet

• Pragmatic and practical martial art that teaches you how to fight on the ground with holds, locks, and take downs

• Made to help weaker fighters win against stronger opponents

• Easy to learn with multiple techniques that will help in all situation

• Highly versatile and made to help you dominate bad situations or turn things around in your favor

If you want to learn a practical martial art that can help you in a fight, one that doesn't flourish but prioritizes real combat, then you'll love BJJ. It's said that all fights end up on the ground, so why not prepare yourself for the inevitable? Whether you want to become a better fighter or improve your physical fitness, BJJ is the ultimate martial art for your needs.

The Perfect Pair

Along with BJJ, we also offer Muay Thai classes for those interested in learning this martial art. This is the perfect complement to BJJ because Muay Thai emphasizes striking and standing combat. As long as you're on your feet, you can't find anything better than Muay Thai.

This martial art turns your body into a living weapon and teaches you how to strike with fists, legs, elbow, and knees. You'll find that Muay Thai rounds out your fighting ability so that you can expertly take on opponents while standing or on the ground. Consider attending this class as well to learn even more self-defense skills.